Finest Space to Keep in BORACAY? Station 1, 2, 3, Bulabog Seashore, Newcoast Comparability

One of many hardest a part of planning a visit to Boracay is selecting a spot to remain. It’s true, however not as a result of there aren’t any respectable resort choices. Quite the opposite, what makes it a tough job is the sheer variety of decisions you’ll be bombarded with if you begin trying to find one. Selection paralysis realness.

The place is one of the best space to remain in Boracay? There isn’t any short-and-sweet reply to this. However no worries, on this article, we’ll break down the important thing areas in Boracay and spotlight the professionals and cons for every, so you might make a extra knowledgeable choice. We’re additionally together with a listing of the properties we now have tried ourselves and the highest choices as ranked by on-line customers.

Geography of Boracay

Earlier than you go on the lookout for lodging, it is very important be acquainted with the geography of Boracay, or not less than the very primary of it. Boracay is kind of small — a lot smaller than Bali or Phuket or Palawan. However it’s bursting on the seams with potential lodging choices.

Check out this map:

The landmass protruding from the decrease proper nook is Caticlan, a part of mainland Aklan. Caticlan serves as the first gateway to Boracay. Right here, you’ll discover each the Caticlan Worldwide Airport (aka Boracay Airport) and the Caticlan Jetty Port (sea port). Each vacationer in Boracay passes by means of Caticlan.

Naturally, the passenger ports in Boracay — Cagban Port and Tambisaan Port — are alongside the sting closest to Caticlan.

You’ll additionally discover that Boracay is split into three barangays (villages): Yapak, Bulabog, and Manoc-Manoc. You’ll encounter these barangay names when testing resort and resort addresses. However for vacationers, it’s extra sensible to divide the island not by barangay however by seashore. If you happen to discover, Boracay’s shoreline is glazed with over a dozen seashores, probably the most well-known of that are White Seashore alongside the southwestern coast, Bulabog Seashore on the east, and Puka Seashore on the northernmost tip.

Essentially the most noteworthy right here is White Seashore, which harbors the best focus of motels and eating places as a result of it’s the most gorgeous seashore in Boracay. If you Google pictures of Boracay, likelihood is you’ll be offered with pictures of White Seashore, because of its powdery white sand glistening underneath the solar and crystal waters swaying in numerous shades of blue.

White Seashore is additional divided intro three boat stations — Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3 — spanning two barangays. However all three share only one seashore. There isn’t any bodily border between them. Which means, you’ll be able to stroll alongside the shore from one station to a different with none downside. And if you happen to do, you’ll rapidly notice that every station has a definite character and set of benefits and downsides.

STATION 1 (White Seashore)

Finest for: accessible peace and quiet

Station 1 is probably the most lovely a part of White Seashore. It’s right here that you just’ll discover the long-lasting Willy’s Rock (grotto) and the row of blue-sailed paraw boats which have change into synonymous with the island.

However Station 1’s largest professional is its quietness. Take one other take a look at the map above. Station 1 is on the northern finish of White Seashore. Simply subsequent to it’s Station 2, the busiest space in Boracay. The farther you progress from Station 2, the calmer it will get. Therefore, the southern finish of Station 1 can nonetheless get a bit loud at instances, particularly within the morning. Station 1 is house to one of many two leaping off factors for island hopping excursions. (The opposite one is in Station 3.)

However the northernmost tip, close to the so-called Lambros Level, is so silent, it’s nearly sedating.

The catch is, it’s additionally the luxurious aspect of White Seashore. Many of the properties listed here are on the upper finish of the worth spectrum. However there are a couple of exceptions, particularly the hostels close to the border with Station 2.

We had been capable of strive the next:

• The Lind Boracay, an upscale resort that mixes the proximity to White Seashore and the facilities of luxurious properties. Verify Charges & Availability!
• Henann Crystal Sands Resort, one of the best of all of the Henann resorts in Boracay. The rooms are customary Henann, however its infinity pool is perched on the second flooring, overlooking the White Seashore and permitting a wonderful view of the sundown. Verify Charges & Availability!

Sadly, many of the price range locations we now have tried right here have closed down after the clearing operations carried out in 2018. We’ve additionally tried Frendz Hostel, which is technically in Station 2 however close to the Station 1 border, so it’s not as hectic.

Prime Motels in Station 1

STATION 2 (White Seashore)

Finest for: Nightlife, easy accessibility to eating places and retailers, and general comfort

Station 2 is the epicenter of all of the motion in Boracay. It has the biggest variety of motels, resorts, bars, eating places, and retailers. Why? If you happen to take one other look on the map, you’ll discover that on this a part of the island, the space between the shoreline and the primary street widens, accommodating far more institutions nearer to the seashore. If you happen to stroll from the primary street to the coast, you’ll most likely cross by or by means of not less than 4 resorts.

In truth, it’s right here in Station 2 that you just’ll discover D’Mall, which might be the only busiest space in your entire island. It’s additionally probably the most accessible as most transportation providers choose up, drop off, or terminate round right here. If you happen to keep in Station 2, nearly each major focal point is inside strolling distance.

However this accessibility and busyness are additionally its major cons. It will probably get loud and noisy right here, and it’s exhausting to discover a spot or second of tranquility. Strive strolling alongside the seashore and also you’ll be approached by touts numerous instances, providing an entire vary of providers from crystal kayak to henna tattoo to therapeutic massage.

In Station 2, we now have stayed on the following resorts and motels, and we suggest all of them:

• Henann Park Resort, the most recent Henann property to open to the general public, so all the pieces nonetheless appears, feels, and smells contemporary and model new. It’s not beachfront however alongside the primary street so it’s accessible.Verify Charges & Availability!
• Le Soleil de Boracay, implausible location — beachfront and near D’Mall — however surprisingly quiet contained in the rooms. It additionally stands alongside an alley, making it accessible by e-trike or different car from the primary street. Verify Charges & Availability!
• 8Colors Seashore Home, a small boutique lodge simply accessible from the primary street and from the seashore. It’s not beachfront but it surely’s actually a stone’s throw from it. It’s additionally very budget-friendly. Verify Charges & Availability!

Prime Motels in Station 2

STATION 3 (White Seashore)

Finest for: Price range vacationers who wish to keep near the seashore

Usually missed, Station 3 occupies the southernmost finish of White Seashore. Station 3’s seashore is narrower and barely steeper.

Like Station 1, it is usually comparatively calm. Fewer retailers and eating places line the seashore and the streets, so the group additionally thins out. As I all the time say, if you happen to comply with the group, you’ll by no means attain Station 3. That’s as a result of these coming from Station 1 get exhausted by the point they make it to Station 2. And people coming from Station 2 normally flip proper, to Station 1.

Whereas retailers and eating places are sparser in Station 3, it harbors most of White Seashore’s price range lodging, from smaller inns, backpacker’s hostels, and unbiased guesthouses. Years in the past, one may discover a room for under PHP 500 an evening, however I’m undecided if that’s nonetheless potential nowadays.

In Station 3, you’ll additionally spot a floating jetty, one of many two boarding spots for island hopping excursions. (The opposite one is in Station 1.)

Prime Motels in Station 3

STATION ZERO

Finest for: Luxurious vacationers on the lookout for a extra personal expertise

Sure, Station Zero is a factor. However it’s not an official title. It’s only a nickname bestowed upon as a result of it’s technically on the identical aspect as White Seashore’s three stations. However truly, it refers to a very separate cove.

Confused? Okay, maintain on. I’ll attempt to clarify it. Past Station 1 on the identical aspect of the island, you’ll discover a sequence of smaller coves together with the famed Diniwid Seashore instantly after it. On the far finish lies Banyugan Seashore, which serves because the personal seashore for friends of Shangri-La Boracay. In between these two coves is Punta Bunga Seashore, often known as Station 0, a strip of sand shared by three luxurious resorts: Shangri-La Boracay (sure, it sits between two coves), Crimson Resort and Spa, and Movenpick Resort and Spa.

These are all high-end resorts, so just a few individuals get to entry this seashore. Room charges right here play inside the five-digit vary, beginning at PHP 11,000 per evening. And that’s simply the usual room. Suites can price larger than PHP 30,000 per evening. Tremendous posh villas can set you again as much as PHP 70,000 per evening. Sure, these are largely for the wealthy and well-known, however most people I do know who’ve stayed at any of those say that they’re price it, particularly if you happen to’re actually after luxurious, privateness, and impeccable service. It’s additionally nice for individuals who want to rejoice a particular or romantic event like honeymoon or anniversary.

Prime Resorts in Station 0

Bulabog Seashore

Finest for: Price range vacationers and water sport fanatics on the lookout for an accessible beachfront place to remain

Whereas White Seashore glazes the western fringe of Boracay, Bulabog Seashore takes up a lot of its jap coast. However not like its extra widespread counterpart, the sand right here isn’t one thing to write down house about. It’s largely rocky and coated in sea grass, which isn’t splendid for swimming and solar bathing. Regardless, it’s nonetheless extremely scenic, because of its picturesque row of coconut bushes which have been attracting Instagrammers left and proper.

Bulabog Seashore is well accessible from the primary street and even from White Seashore. From D’Mall, you need to be capable of attain Bulabog Seashore ON FOOT in round 5 minutes, supposing you don’t have mobility points. The terrain is usually flat. Whereas some properties entail a little bit of strolling, e-trikes and multi-cabs can conveniently drop you off or choose you up within the space.

It’s additionally the primary playground for water sport fanatics. The seashore is lined by kitesurfing and parasailing workplaces. But, regardless of the acute actions and proximity to D’Mall, it stays quiet and fosters an environment that could be a far cry from the chaos in Station 2.

The very best half, properties alongside Bulabog Seashore cost a lot decrease charges, usually half than these alongside White Seashore.

Prime Motels alongside Bulabog Seashore

Inland Areas

Finest for: Price range vacationers who don’t thoughts staying away from the seashore

It’s exhausting to delineate what may be thought of “inland”, for the aim of this text, we’re solely together with properties which can be situated within the space between Bulabog Seashore and the primary road. Which means, if you happen to’re coming from the port, it’s the realm to the best of the street.

And yep, this space, though removed from the seashore, additionally hosts quite a few motels, resorts and residences that received’t break the financial institution.

I’m the kind of traveler that doesn’t thoughts staying at non-beachfront properties, particularly in Boracay. The reality is, you don’t want to remain close to White Seashore to have the ability to entry it. The principle street stems into a number of alleys that result in the seashore. One can merely waltz and sashay to the seashore.

In truth, I’ve stayed a number of instances in an inland space close to Station 2. I don’t know precisely what this zone is known as however it may be reached by turning onto a steep road. It’s the place these two properties stand:

• Villa D’enghien, a residential advanced with a separate condo constructing the rooms of that are being rented out to vacationers. Among the rooms are outfitted with range, kitchenware and utensils. Sure, cooking is allowed (in some rooms). On our final journey, we booked a 1-bedroom condo for under PHP 1400 per evening.
• Dakong Amihan House, a Spanish colonial-style guesthouse that gives reasonably priced bed-and-breakfast lodging. It sits simply subsequent to Villa D’enghien. It’s been years since I stayed right here, however I nonetheless bear in mind how heat the workers, particularly the proprietor was.

Prime Inland Motels and Guesthouses

Boracay Newcoast

Finest for: Vacationers who want a extra quiet keep away from the group

Boracay Newcoast is the latest tourism and resort improvement mission by Megaworld. Spanning 150 hectares of hilly landcape, it’s tucked within the northeastern coast of the island. Consider it as a township indifferent from all of the hustle and bustle of the island’s major vacationer spots.

Newcoast encompasses a 3 smaller now-private coves south of Ilig-Iligan Seashore and north of Lapuz-Lapuz Seashore. It additionally owns the land that serves as the primary entry level to the Cujo Keyhole, a postcard-worthy pure arch that has change into a serious vacationer attraction. All these coves face east, offering a front-row seat to the spectacular Boracay dawn. Friends may be a part of a FREE dawn tour that can take you to 2 of their personal seashores.

Extra institutions have additionally been sprouting alongside its lanes, probably the most distinguished of that are Savoy Lodge and Belmont Lodge. Each Savoy and Belmont are well-appointed 4-star properties that may make your keep extra comfy, extra stress-free, and extra particular. For the standard room at both, you’ll need to shell out PHP 4000-6000 an evening.

Boracay Newcoast additionally has a meals market and an enormous tent that may be a venue for conferences, company occasions, and even private ones like weddings.

Motels at Boracay Newcoast

What’s one of the best space to remain?

The very best space relies on your price range and preferences. We’ve got tried staying at all the areas talked about above, and every has its personal strengths.

• If you happen to’re rolling in cash and would love a extra peaceable, extra personal keep, select the luxurious resorts at Station Zero.
• If you happen to want to keep someplace secluded however you’ll be able to solely afford one thing mid-range, Boracay Newcoast is an effective different.
• If you happen to’re after accessibility and proximity to all the pieces, select Station 1 or 2. These two boat stations are probably the most handy, location-wise. They’re additionally one of the best choose if you happen to’re in Boracay for nightlife.
• If price range is a major concern, think about staying at a spot in Station 3, Bulabog Seashore, or someplace additional inland. You’ll be able to simply discover reasonably priced motels, inns, residences and guesthouses in these areas. Don’t fear about your resort not being beachfront. It’s straightforward to get round Boracay and most seashores are open to the general public. You don’t want to remain in White Seashore to get entry to it.

As for me, my private choose is Station 1 or Station 2 — beachfront or not — primarily due to comfort.

Updates Log

2023 • 7 • 26: First up